Drunk Driving Bus Accidents can Cost Lives

It is estimated that an alcohol crash occurs every 32 minutes. Texas ranks second in the nation for the most drunk driving related deaths. {1} Moreover, alcohol-related road crashes cost Americans an estimated $37 billion annually. {2} Drunk driving bus accidents can cost more than money, given the precious cargo on board.

The Government Requires Alcohol Testing for Bus Drivers

The U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance (ODAPC) exists to help ensure the safety of the traveling public. The ODAPC helps regulate alcohol enforcement and testing of roughly 8-million transportation workers. These workers include airline pilots, armed transit security personnel, ferryboat captains, maintenance workers and vehicle mechanics, and transit bus and subway operators.{3}

Alcohol enforcement and testing are important. Transportation accidents accounted for 1,795 work deaths in 2009. {4}

Commercial drivers, including bus and truck drivers, may be required to submit to alcohol testing after an accident. If the driver is suspected to have been driving under the influence, they will be tested. Random testing must be continued after an alcohol-related infraction. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations allow for drug testing when: it is a condition of employment, there is reasonable suspicion, after an accident, and as a condition of returning to duty following a drug policy violation.

If a commercial driver is pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence, refusal to take a blood-alcohol test is the same as pleading guilty to DUI.

Texas Drunk Driving Laws

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs should never be tolerated. Under Texas law, if a driver is operating a car or truck with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or greater, they are considered legally intoxicated. Commercial drivers in Texas are held to a stricter standard. If a bus or 18-wheeler driver is operating their vehicle with a BAC of 0.04% or higher, they are considered legally intoxicated.

Some of us may think that the limit of 0.04% BAC is too high. Bus drivers are expected to keep their passengers safe. Those passengers can include our children, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and friends. When your loved ones are on a bus, a bus driver can’t have a beer a lunch.

Speak with a Houston Drunk Driving Bus Accidents Attorney

If you or a loved one was injured in a bus accident where the driver was drunk, you need to know your legal rights. Chelsie King Garza is available for a free consultation today. Bus owners and companies may allow drivers with a history of alcohol abuse to drive. This kind of reckless behavior can cost innocent lives.

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Chelsie King Garza

Chelsie Garza has litigated cases in both federal and state court. She has successfully handled complex commercial and product liability litigation, in addition to a variety of personal injury matters.

Not only does Chelsie have abackground in helping those who have suffered horrible injuries; she has also worked on pro bono cases and dedicated her timeto humanitarian causes.

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Chelsie King Garza

Chelsie Garza has litigated cases in both federal and state court. She has successfully handled complex commercial and product liability litigation, in addition to a variety of personal injury matters.

Not only does Chelsie have a background in helping those who have suffered horrible injuries; she has also worked on many pro bono cases and dedicated her time to humanitarian causes.